We are just driving 75 miles away to "the mountains" and staying in a motel that accepts dogs. We will be out hiking and hanging around the Shenandoah Nat. Park during the days. I was just wondering if anyone has any advice. Thanks!
2006-08-18 10:34:08 · 7 answers · asked by Alice Chaos 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
1. Check temperature. If it's a thick coated breed, you'll need to back something to keep your dog cool. They sell cool bandanas (cool being a temperature) that you put in water and they stay cool for a long time. Some breeds can dehydrate very quickly.
2. Get a travel crate if your dog sleeps in one. I would recommend the cloth travel crates Petsmart sells, they are easy to set up and well ventilated.
3. Get your dog used to the car. Let him go out and get in and out of the car without it running. Then turn on the engine and let him examine it. Then take him for short rides around town. It might take a couple of weeks to get him used to it; we did it with our dog in about 15 minutes, but he was a puppy so it was easier.
4. Take extra towels in case he gets car sick, and something to clean up vomit with.
5. Plan one stop on the way to let your dog get out and excersize or pee for a few minutes.
6. Depending on the size of your dog, figure out a way to travel in a car safely. Perhaps a crate, or harness, or doggy seat belt, or the back of a hatchback. You'll have to do some research for your particular breed.
7. Get something that is familiar; his crate, toys, towel that smells like you, etc, and put it in his crate to sleep. Travel can be stressful to dogs because of the change. (Even if it's fun, it's stressful.) If you give them something familiar, they will do better. We use a CD with our dog. It was a $10 CD from Target of Classical String Quartet music, and relaxes him almost immediately upon hearing it. (My husband and I love it, too!)
8. Don't forget travel food and water bowls! (Check on the water status in your area, too, you might want to make sure and get bottled water.)
9. Have fun!
2006-08-18 10:51:12 · answer #1 · answered by Maber 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Use a crate for travel (some states actually require this by law). If you are crossing state lines, make sure you have health records. If the dog is to be left in the motel at all by itself, keep it in a crate to prevent any problems.
Have you traveled with dogs at all? Even short distances? If you have, your dogs will probably react about the same as they always do.
Make sure you have your leashes and extra food and dishes. Take a portable dish and water while you hike for the dogs to get a drink.
2006-08-18 10:45:40 · answer #2 · answered by SabrinaD 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Secure leash at all time with destination contact number as well as alternate contact number of someone who can get in touch with you.
Pictures of dog in case of loss.
Microchip is good.
Bring your own water to avoid tummy upset.
Flea/tick prevention
Make sure you do not leave the dog alone in hotel, many workers have accidently lost animals that way.
Always clean up after your pet.
2006-08-18 11:15:29 · answer #3 · answered by cm30324 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buy some travel sickness tablets for dogs before you go. Just in case you need them. And carry a bucket in the car with you in case the dog shows you quite suddenly that he is carsick after all.
2006-08-18 15:57:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
stop at least once on the way for 20-30 minutes so they can stretch their legs.Take rawhide chews and a couple of their favorite toys for the motel.Take food and water dishes and I have a vinyl cloth backed table cloth I lay on the floor under dishes to protect carpets from spills.I usually take peanut butter/cheese crackers and beef jerky or sausage sticks along as treats for the dogs.It's their vacation too after all so they get lots of treats along the way.I have a 2 gallon thermos of water brought from home and buy gallon jugs of drinking water for them when that's gone.Also take along their favorite blankets to lay on.And a small kit containing bandages,scissors,tweezers,alcohol swabs,etc.for just in case.Also take at least a 10x12 tarp and some rope so if car breaks down or we need quick shade we can stretch the tarp.
2006-08-18 12:06:24 · answer #5 · answered by misbehavin165 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there are many devices available for your vehicle to help keep your pet safe and comfortable, from car seats to kennels, even have booster seats so your pet can see out the window
best thing to do is to check ahead, check your motel reservations to make sure that pets are welcomed, and if traveling to a different climate, make sure to keep your pet hydrated, Make sure to bring food from where you live also, this can help to keep down the upset tummies, and are you prepared to stop at resturaunts and so forth, do you have a plan as to where to keep your pet while you have to leave the vehical, safety first,
2006-08-18 10:43:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
we just got back from a sixteen hour trip with our 65 pd dog and he did great all you have to do is dont feed him befor you go so he wont throw up and stop at every rest stop and walk him at least a hour before you leave that day good luck
2006-08-18 10:40:44 · answer #7 · answered by Southurn chicks rock!!! 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋